AGHIOS GEORGIOS DIASORITIS CHURCH
One of the most important Byzantine churches on the Tragea plain in Halki.
You have to go and see it: this small Byzantine church is located in the middle of olive trees, and is easily accessible. After a short walk from the village, you will come across this real little gem with very well preserved frescoes.
Built in the 11th century, the church Aghios Georgios Diasoritis is one of the most important Byzantine buildings of the Tragea plain. Its cross shape is indeed uncommon in Naxos and its magnificent original frescoes are also well preserved, although some were covered in the 13th century. It is dedicated to one of the most famous saints of Christendom, the martyr George of Lydda (died around 303), who is known to have slain the dragon. The epithet "Saviour"(Diasoritis or Sotiris in Greek), often attributed to Saint George in the Balkans, was added later, probably in the 15th century. It recalls another episode in the life of this Roman soldier from Palestine who converted to Christianity: the rescue of a young child kidnapped by the non-Jewish tribe of the Agarenes and promised to death or slavery. In Byzantine literary language, the term Agarene is used to describe the Muslims and, by extension, the Ottomans. The epithet "Saviour" here is a clear allusion to the system of devşirme ("blood tax") put in place by the Ottomans in the territories under their control: the abduction of Christian children to be converted to Islam and trained as soldiers.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on AGHIOS GEORGIOS DIASORITIS CHURCH
